Best Stories by USC Student Journalists of 2024
We worked with USC Annenberg student journalists on stories from LAUSD homelessness to the district鈥檚 iconic coffee cake
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For the last few years, 社区黑料 has collaborated with the University of Southern California Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism to help train the next generation of education journalists.
To be part of the growth and development of these young reporters, to watch and help them develop the skills and curiosity needed to become effective observers has been rewarding work.
This year, we worked with them on stories ranging from the rise in homelessness among LAUSD students; the making of an Academy Award-winning film about LAUSD鈥檚 musical repair shop; to the school system鈥檚 iconic coffee cake. Their enthusiasm for their work always comes through in their stories and in their willingness to work hard even as they carry a full load of classes, and, often a job.
Here are 10 of the most read 2024 student stories:
For most students, having clean clothes to wear to school is not a problem. But for many at 112th St. S.T.E.A.M. Academy in Watts, clean clothing is such a struggle it has become one of the main contributors to chronic absenteeism. In May the school was one of 20 to receive a new washing machine and dryer from the Rams and the Think Watts Foundation. Principal Jose Hernandez talks about the impact of the washer and dryer. Jinge Li has the story.
Gen Z Black and Latino educators are passionate about inspiring their students but face significant challenges in LAUSD. A recent study highlights their experiences and concerns about job satisfaction and retention, finding that more than 70 percent are considering leaving the profession. Read the key findings and insights from the report. Jack Waterman has the story.
The number of homeless students who attend Los Angeles Unified schools rose by more than a quarter in the last school year, new statistics show. As of the 2023-2024 school year, LAUSD enrolled 17,245 homeless students, up 26% from the previous school year, according to data the district made public last month. The dramatic jump comes as the district struggles with in the enrollment of homeless students, and the that has since 2020 propped up programs to aid kids experiencing homelessness. Katie VanArnam has the story.
The number of homeless students who attend Los Angeles Unified schools rose by more than a quarter in the last school year, new statistics show. As of the 2023-2024 school year, LAUSD enrolled 17,245 homeless students, up 26% from the previous school year, according to data the district made public last month. The dramatic jump comes as the district struggles with in the enrollment of homeless students, and the that has since 2020 propped up programs to aid kids experiencing homelessness. Katie VanArnam has the story.
It鈥檚 not every day a public school system produces a cafeteria item with a cult following 鈥� but that鈥檚 the case with iconic LAUSD鈥檚 coffee cake, one of the most popular items on the menu. The recipe dates back to 1954 and even after 70 years, it is still in high demand, with 800,000 slices served annually. Jinge Li got to watch LAUSD staff make the coffee cake and now we鈥檙e introducing people outside of LA to the recipe and its history.
FX鈥檚 Social Studies delves into the lives of Los Angeles teens navigating the complexities of social media and mental health. Through raw footage and candid interviews, the documentary exposes the challenges young people face鈥攆rom substance abuse to bullying鈥攁nd highlights the urgent need for community support and action. Enzo Luna has the story.
LAUSD has partnered with housing developers to create affordable housing for struggling families after the district faced a 19% increase in homeless students from the previous school year. Once we know better, we need to do better,鈥� said LAUSD superintendent Alberto Carvalho. 鈥淪un King is evidence that the impossible can be turned into the inevitable.鈥� Katie VanArnam has the story.
It has been a big priority for LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho to ensure student access to successful academic and career pathways post-graduation. His newest achievement is partnering with private sectors to establish a food truck program at LAUSD. 鈥淲e don鈥檛 want a single student leaving high school without a college or university ticket or an opportunity for career and technical programming,鈥� he said. Carvalho hopes that he will bring more partnerships like this to the district. 鈥淭oday鈥檚 announcement is not only important,鈥� Carvalho added, 鈥淚t鈥檚 also a very cool announcement.鈥� Jinge Li has the story.
When the directors of the Oscar nominated short documentary 鈥淭he Last Repair Shop鈥� walk the red carpet next month, the four LAUSD workers who keep thousands of musical instruments in good repair will be right by their side. The four craftspeople are at the heart of the documentary, out now via the Los Angeles Times and Disney +. 鈥淓veryone was over the moon excited for this once in a lifetime experience,鈥� film co-director Ben Proudfoot told LA School Report. Sara Balanta has the story.
826LA, a tutoring program, is promoting out of the box methods to get LAUSD students confident in their writing abilities. 鈥淚 think that when they鈥檙e in school every single day, they kind of start struggling to find the spark when it comes to writing,鈥� said 826LA program development manager Alma Carillo. 鈥淚 think being in spaces like this helps encourage that.鈥� The organization partners with over 100 schools and uses activities such as publishing student work and hosting readings. Sara Balanta has the story.
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